10/12 Recap: Amerks open with win

Corey Tropp scored a pair of goals and Mark Mancari scored the only mark in the shootout as Rochester opened the 2012-13 season Friday with a 6-5 win over Syracuse.

Tropp lit the lamp in the game's opening minute when he tapped in a two-on-one feed from Cody Hodgson. Later in the period,  Tropp batted down a Luke Adam shot in front of the net and beat Dustin Tokarski to give the Amerks a 2-1 lead. Marcus Foligno scored shortly after Tropp's second goal to give the Amerks a 3-1 advantage at the first intermission.

Mark Pysyk notched his first professional goal in the second period before the Crunch went on to score four unanswered the take a 5-4 lead midway through the final frame. Mark Mancari rounded out the Rochester scoring to make it 5-5 with under four minutes to play in regulation to force the OT.

David Leggio made 29 saves and another five in the shootout to earn the win. Tropp suffered a lower body injury and is unlikely to play when the Amerks continue their opening weekend Saturday in Toronto.

In the QMJHL, Mikhail Grigorenko continued his superb start to the 2012-13 season by scoring two goals and an assist to extend his point streak to nine games as Quebec defeated Gatineau 4-1. The talented Russian currently ranks second in QMJHL scoring with eight goals and 20 points through the Remparts' first nine games. The Remparts are off until Wednesday's tilt with Saint John.


 In Finland, Joel Armia scored his sixth goal of the year as Assat doubled Tappara 4-2. The 6-foot-3 sniper got the Aces on the board when he cut to the net and directed a Michael Ryan pass past the Tappara netminder. The two clubs will play it back on Saturday.



Linus Ullmark made 30 saves as MODO J20 downed Leksands 6-2. Ullmark was making his return to SuperElit action after a three-week loan to Mora IK of HockeyAllsvenskan. MODO and Leksands will play a rematch on Saturday.

In the WHL, Colin Jacobs picked up an assist as Prince George downed Lethbridge 3-2. The helper extends Jacobs' season-starting point streak to a career-best eight games (7+7). The Cougars continue their road trip Saturday in Medicine Hat.

Logan Nelson saw his five-game point streak come to an end as Victoria lost to Kelowna 4-1. The Royals and Rockets will again face off Saturday in Victoria.

Andrey Makarov made 24 saves as Saskatoon lost to Kootenay 4-3. The Blades have lost five straight games to occupy last place in the East Division.

In OHL action, Brady Austin was +1 as Belleville pitched a 2-0 shutout of Brampton. The Bulls, who have secured five wins through the season's first eight games, return to the ice Saturday versus Oshawa.

Justin Kea logged a +1 as Saginaw smoked Sudbury 6-1. The Spirit moves on to face Brampton on Sunday.

Alex Lepkowski (-1) did not point as Barrie got past Oshawa 4-3 in a shootout. Barrie will host Sudbury on Saturday.

Christian Isackson scored his first goal of the year as Minnesota downed Michigan State 5-1. Skating with Florida prospects Nick Bjugstad and Kyle Rau, Isackson buried a wrist shot from the slot for the first regular season goal of his collegiate career. The Gophers and Spartans will conclude their opening weekend set on Saturday.


Brad Navin (2 SOG) and Jake McCabe (4 SOG) each went without a point as Wisconsin lost to Northern Michigan 2-1. McCabe was paired with Frankie Simonelli on the Badgers blueline after sitting out last weekend's tune-up win over the U.S. Under-18. Navin formed a line with Keegan Meuer and Brendan Woods. The Badgers will look for the weekend split on Saturday.

Mark Adams finished +1 as Providence opened the season with an 8-2 throttling of Sacred Heart. The Friars finish their weekend Saturday with a visit to Boston University.

Judd Peterson was +1 with three shots on goal as Cedar Rapids dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Muskegon. The RoughRiders take on Green Bay on Saturday.

10/10 Recap: Cat pounces; Jacobs, Nelson extend streaks

Daniel Catenacci scored his fourth goal of the year as Owen Sound earned a 4-2 win over Plymouth. Effective at the faceoff circle throughout, Catenacci pounced for a power play goal a little over five minutes in to give the Attack a 1-0 lead.



Brady Austin was even as Belleville defeated Brampton 2-1 in a shootout. The two clubs will play a rematch Friday in Brampton.

In the WHL, Colin Jacobs scored his seventh goal of the year off a nice breakaway deke as Prince George edged Kootenay 5-4. The 6-foot-2 center now has seven goals and 13 points through the Cougars' first seven games to place second in WHL scoring.

Logan Nelson assisted on both Victoria goals as the Royals fell to Kamloops 5-2. Nelson has points in five straight games to up his total to 11 (3+8) on the year.

Andrey Makarov made 27 saves as Saskatoon lost to Portland 4-0. Goal support continues to be an issue for the Blades, who have been outscored 23-5 over their last four games - all losses.

10/6 Recap: Grigorenko, Nelson spark Saturday wins

Mikhail Grigorenko scored a pair of goals Saturday as Quebec blew past Rimouski 7-2. Grigorenko had his speed and puckhandling abilities on display from the get-go between linemates Logan Shaw (FLA) and 2013 draft eligible Adam Erne. The brilliant center now has six goals and 16 points on the year, good for a share of the QMJHL scoring lead, while boosting the Remparts to a perfect 7-0 start. The CHL's top-ranked club, Quebec will conclude the weekend with a Sunday visit to Blainville-Boisbriand.


In the WHL, Logan Nelson scored two regulation goals and the only mark in the shootout to lead Victoria to a 4-3 win at Tri-City. Nelson, who earlier had tied the game 2-2 with a nice backhand finish, struck again with 35-seconds to play in the third to force the OT. The first-star effort gives Nelson three goals, eight points, and two shootout winners in the Royals' first seven games.


Colin Jacobs kept rolling with a goal and an assist as Prince George was outgunned by Kelowna 7-5. The big Texan opened up for a second-period one-timer as the Cougars attempted to overcome a three-goal deficit. Jacobs has points in all six Cougars' contests this year en route to co-leading the WHL with 12 points (6+6).


Andrey Makarov made 31 saves as Saskatoon lost 4-1 at Edmonton. Makarov surrendered three power play goals in the middle frame to see his record drop to 2-4 with a 3.59 goals against average and .888 save percentage.

In the OHL, Dan Catenacci scored the game winning goal in the shootout as Owen Sound defeated Guelph 4-3. In the second period, Catenacci picked up an assist when the rebound of his speedy breakaway attempt was buried to give him seven points (3+4) through the Attack's first seven games.



Alex Lepkowski notched a pair of assists as Barrie won their fourth straight game 4-3 over Peterborough. Lepkowski's breakout pass earned him a secondary helper on Mark Scheifele's game winner in the final minute of regulation. The multi-point effort was the third of Lepkowski's career and his first since a one-goal, one-assist outing last April in game six of the OHL Eastern Conference semifinal.



Belleville defenseman Brady Austin skated even as the Bulls got past Ottawa 5-3. Sean Monahan ('13) scored his fourth goal of the year for the 67's in a losing effort.

Justin Kea played even as Saginaw earned a 2-1 shootout win over Kitchener. Next up for Spirit is a Thursday visit to Barrie.

In Finland, Joel Armia earned a season-high 20:16 of work but was unable to score as Assat edged TPS 2-1. Former Sabres forward Mike Ryan scored the shootout winner for the Aces, who are off until Wednesday's tilt at Jokerit.

In NCAA exhibition play, Christian Isackson netted a natural hat trick as Minnesota crushed the University of Lethbridge 7-0. Isackson, who manned the right side on a line with Nick Bjugstad (FLA) and Kyle Rau (FLA), scored scored the first three goals of the game as the Gophers dominated with 65 shots on goal.


Brad Navin collected two assists as the Badgers skated to a 5-0 exhibition win over the U.S. U-18 squad. Navin, who made nice pass to slot for his second helper of the night, skated on a line with Joseph Labate (VAN) and Brendan Woods (CAR). Defenseman Jake McCabe sat out with an upper body injury.


In the USHL, Judd Peterson did not dress as Cedar Rapids was handled by Youngstown 5-1. The RoughRiders continue their homestand Friday versus Muskegon.

10/5 Recap: Grigorenko gets winner as Remparts remain perfect

Mikhail Grigorenko scored in overtime Friday as Quebec remained perfect through their first six games with a 4-3 come from behind win over Victoriaville. Grigorenko, who earlier helped force the extra frame with an assist in the final minute of regulation, has registered a point in all six Remparts' contests for a total of 14 (4+10) on the year. The crafty pivot dazzled with several exciting plays, including a superb blind pass from his knees in the middle period that was nearly converted. The Remparts will look to remain unbeaten on Saturday when they host Rimouski.

In the WHL, Colin Jacobs scored on the power play as Prince George rode a five-goal first period to a 6-3 win over Kelowna. Jacobs now has five goals and 10 points has through his first five games to remain tied atop the WHL points leaderboard. The teams will finish their weekend set Saturday night in Prince George.

Logan Nelson picked up an assist as Victoria lost a hard-fought 4-3 decision at Spokane. The Royals continue their road trip Saturday in Tri-City.

Andrey Makarov got another short rest as Saskatoon got shellacked by Swift Current 10-1. Makarov, who was previously forced into relief action during his game off last week, entered in the 34th minute with the Blades trailing 7-1. He'd allow two power play goals before settling in the third period with 10 saves on 11 shots. The Blades pay a visit to defending WHL champion Edmonton on Saturday.

In OHL action, Dan Catenacci set up the game winning goal as Owen Sound held off Sarnia 4-3. Catenacci stayed out of the penalty box for the first time this season en route to collecting his sixth point (3+3) through the Attack's first six games. Owen Sound returns to action Saturday versus Guelph.

Justin Kea recorded his first fighting major of the year as Saginaw was blanked by Niagara 4-0. Trailing 2-0, Kea tangled with IceDogs forward Joel Wigle late in the second period. Saginaw welcomes Kitchener to town on Saturday.

Alex Lepkowski logged a +1 as Barrie earned a 4-3 shootout victory over Mississauga. The Colts take on Peterborough.

In the USHL, Judd Peterson finished -1 with a shot on goal as Cedar Rapids downed Fargo 5-2. The RoughRiders will play the second of five straight games at home Saturday against Youngstown.

Joel Armia recorded three shots on goal in 15:55 of action as Assat dropped a 2-1 decision to the Blues. The Aces head back to the ice Saturday against TPS.

---

In AHL preseason play, Nick Crawford scored a pair of regulation goals and then the shootout clincher as Rochester closed the preseason with a 4-3 win over Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Phil Varone added the other Amerks goal. Rookie netminders Connor Knapp and Nathan Lieuwen split the crease duties, with Knapp stopping 15 of 16 shots before giving way to Lieuwen, who blocked 16 of 18 and another three in the shootout to secure the victory.

10/3 Recap: Amerks drop exhibition opener

Luke Adam, Phil Varone, and Brayden McNabb all had goals as the Rochester Americans opened the 2012 preseason Wednesday with a 4-3 home-ice loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Mark Mancari compiled three assists in his first game back in an Amerks sweater since 2007-08, while rookie Mark Pysyk added a pair of helpers from the blueline. David Leggio made 28 saves for the Amerks, who will complete the home-and-home series with the Baby Penguins on Friday. We'll have more on the Amerks as the AHL regular season approaches.

Elsewhere, Logan Nelson assisted on the game winning goal as Victoria slipped past Medicine Hat 4-3 in overtime. The Royals overcame a 3-0 deficit en route to moving into first place in the B.C. Division. Victoria (4-1-0-0) returns to action Friday at Spokane.


Justin Kea picked up an assist as Saginaw dropped a 6-5 see-saw battle with Sault Ste. Marie. The power forward prospect has three points (1+2) through the Spirit's first five games. Saginaw will host Niagara on Friday.



Andrey Makarov made 24 saves as Saskatoon lost to Red Deer 5-3. After scoring the game's first goal, Saskatoon surrendered four unanswered to slip to fifth place in East Division. The first goal allowed was an absolute highlight-reel play by Matt Dumba (MIN), who slipped to his knees but maintained control of the puck before roofing a shot over Makarov's shoulder. The Blades will tangle with Swift Current on Friday.


In Sweden, Linus Ullmark made 15 stops as Mora IK was defeated by Orebro HK 5-3. Ullmark allowed four goals against including one of the power play before Orebro potted an empty-netter to seal the win. Mora gets back at it Sunday versus Karlskrona HK.

9/29 Recap: Grigo, Ullmark continue good starts

In Saturday QMJHL action, Mikhail Grigorenko scored a pair of goals including a beauty on a breakaway as Quebec rolled to their third straight win 5-0 over Sherbrooke. Grigorenko, who finished just 4/16 (25%) at the faceoff circle, scored what would eventually hold up as the game winner just 2:35 into the game. He'd go in all alone to add another, his third of the year, late in the second period. Nick Sorensen ('13) added two goals for Quebec, who next do battle with Val-d'Or on Sunday.



Linus Ullmark made 25 saves and then another three in the shootout as Mora edged Leksands 3-2. Ullmark, who allowed a goal from long range midway through the third, now has three wins in four appearances since his loan from MODO while amassing a 1.61 goals against average (2nd in Allsvenskan) and .928 save percentage (4th). Ullmark could again get the nod when Mora plays Orebro on Wednesday.


In the WHL, Colin Jacobs earned an assist to extend his point streak to four games as Prince George was defeated in overtime by Seattle 2-1. The helper gives Jacobs nine points on the year, good for the co-lead among WHL scorers entering the Cougars' pair of tilts with Kelowna next weekend.


Andrey Makarov made 26 saves as Saskatoon clawed their way back to a 2-1 overtime win at Swift Current. The Blades will welcome Red Deer town on Wednesday.


In the OHL, Brady Austin picked up an assist as Belleville lost to Oshawa 5-2. Austin fed Jordan Subban ('13) for a power play mark in the first minute of the third period but the Bulls were unable to further mount a comeback. Belleville is off until Saturday's date with Oshawa.


Dan Catenacci was unable to score but did add four minutes to his OHL-leading penalty total as Owen Sound lost to Sarnia 2-1. After making it clear to the team earlier this week that undisciplined play will not be tolerated, the Attack coaching staff watched as Catenacci was whistled for a checking-from-behind minor three minutes into the game. Owen Sound is off until Friday's rematch with the Sting.

Justin Kea racked up six minutes in penalties as Saginaw dropped a 3-2 overtime decision to Sault Ste. Marie. The Spirit and Hounds will rematch Wednesday in Sault Ste. Marie.

Alex Lepkowski finished -1 as Barrie skated to a 4-1 win over Mississauga. The Colts and Steelheads will go back at it on Friday.

Judd Peterson potted an empty-net goal and added an assist as Cedar Rapids kicked off the 2012-12 schedule with a 4-1 win at Green Bay. The RoughRiders will play their home opener Friday against Fargo.

9/26 Recap: Makarov gets short rest

In the lone Wednesday game, Andrey Makarov came on in relief in the second period, stopping 15 of 19 shots as Saskatoon got rolled by Brandon 9-6. The Russian backstop enters the weekend with a 1-2 record, 3.73 goals against average, and .889 save percentage.

Makarov entered the game after the Wheat Kings took a 4-3 lead with two quick goals within the first 3:17 of the second period. The teams would trade punches into the third period before Brandon closed it out with three strikes including an empty-netter in the final five minutes. The Blades return to action Saturday when they visit Swift Current.

9/22 Recap: Jacobs begins with career best

Colin Jacobs posted a career-best five points Saturday as Prince George opened the regular season with a 6-0 blowout of Everett.

Jacobs got the ball rolling for the Cougars with a penalty shot goal at 6:43 of the first period. He later struck on the power play in the final minute of the second. The five-point night (2+3), which eclipsed Jacobs' previous high (4) set in December 2010, was a first for a Sabres prospect since Kevin Sundher's one-goal, four-assist performance last October. The Cougars and Silvertips will engage in a rematch Sunday.




Joel Armia scored his third goal of the year as Assat defeated HPK 4-1. The mark, which came in the opening minute of the second period, tied the game 1-1 as Assat began to take control of the game. The Aces get back at it Tuesday when they host HIFK.


In Sweden, Linus Ullmark came on in relief of Daniel Hansen, stopping seven of eight shots in 39:57 of work as Mora rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat Djurgardens 5-4 in a shootout. Ullmark, who was making his Mora debut, allowed a power play goal off a quick feed from behind the night shortly after entering the game but held firm from there while his team carried the play over the final twenty minutes to force extra time. Mora returns to action Tuesday against Vasteras.

Elsewhere, Dan Catenacci notched a goal and an assist as Owen Sound defeated Saginaw 5-2. Catenacci has four points (2+2) after two regular season games. The Attack continue play Thursday at Barrie. Justin Kea finished -1 for the Spirit, who kick off their home schedule Thursday versus Sudbury.


Brady Austin was -2 as Belleville needed a shootout to defeat Plymouth 3-2. The Bulls take on the Battalion Friday night in Brampton.

In the WHL, Logan Nelson picked up a pair of even-strength assists in Victoria's 3-2 win over Vancouver. Nelson showed off his speed and passing on the second helper, breaking into the Giants zone and deftly sending a cross-ice saucer feed to Alex Gogolev. The Royals are off until Friday when they begin a two-game set with Kamloops.



Andrey Makarov made 25 saves as Saskatoon lost their home opener 5-2 to Prince Albert. The Blades made ti tough on themselves from the start, surrendering three goals in the top half of the first period including two on the power play. The Blades next take the ice Wednesday at Brandon.

9/21 Recap: Russian duo solid in openers

Mikhail Grigorenko scored a goal and three assists Friday as Quebec opened the QMJHL regular season with a 9-4 win over Chicoutimi. All three of Grigorenko's helpers came on goals by Anthony Duclair ('13), who also added an assist to his hat trick. The Remparts return to action Sunday versus Baie-Comeau.


In the WHL, Andrey Makarov made 40 saves to earn the game's #1 star as Saskatoon defeated Prince Albert 2-1 in a shootout. Makarov saw just five shots in the opening period, but was equal parts busy and spectacular the rest of the way beginning with a 17-save second. The Blades and Raiders will complete the home-and-home series Saturday in Saskatoon.


Logan Nelson was +1 as Victoria downed Vancouver 6-4. The two clubs will play it back Saturday in Victoria.

In the OHL, Justin Kea posted an assist as Saginaw squandered a two-goal late in a 4-3 overtime loss at Guelph. Kea was efficient at the faceoff circle all the way from a clean win on his first-period helper to another key decision in the final minute of regulation. Saginaw continues the schedule Saturday in Owen Sound.


Brady Austin assisted on an empty-net goal as Belleville skated to a 3-1 victory over Sarnia. The Bulls go back at it Saturday at Plymouth.


Alex Lepkowski earned an ejection as Barrie dropped their opener 3-1 to Kingston. At 4:30 of the middle frame, Lepkowski racked up a fighting major and an automatic misconduct for being third man in on an altercation. The Colts resume play Sunday at Mississauga.

At the USHL Fall Classic, Judd Peterson recorded two shots on goal as Cedar Rapids closed the preseason with a 3-0 win over Tri-City. The RoughRiders begin the regular season Saturday, September 29 at Green Bay.